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John Condon: Mary Dillon’s haunting vocal signals a welcome return after 15 years away from the music scene

Ulster singer Mary Dillon has returned after a 15-year break from the music scene with “John Condon“, the tale of a 14-year-old boy lost on the front in the Great War. Stark and pure, with exquisite backing, the single is released in time for Remembrance Day and heralds a new album, North, which will arrive in February. Poignant and cinematic in its imagery, the song exerts a gentle but irresistible pull thanks to Dillon’s eloquent reading of lyrics that find universal relevance in the tragedy of one young, wasted life. If the rest of North lives up to this, Dillon’s re-emergence as a solo artist will be something to celebrate.

What is a Torch Singer?

Someone who sings about love and loss, and the pain of experience. The power of torch-singing lies in its effect on the listener. For me, it transcends musical genres. These pages explore the dazzling, and sometimes dark, world of the female singer through history and in the present. Concert and CD reviews, interviews and articles combine to create a comprehensive view of this vital strand of popular culture. Why not share your views and experiences of your favourite artists, suggest performers you would like to see featured - and let me know what makes a torch singer for you?